Worthing remembers with pride – Hayward Frank Wade

Hayward Frank Wade was born at Upton Park, Essex, in 1895.

His parents were George and Sarah Wade and, in 1901, the family home was at ‘Ellawood’, Tarring Road.

Later, they moved to 9 Canterbury Road.

Frank, as he was sometimes known, was a pupil at Elm Grove and St Andrew’s schools, and is remembered on their memorials.

At the age of 14, he enlisted into the army at Brighton.

His father, George, had served in the same regiment and was a member of the National Reserve.

Bugler Wade is thought to be the first Worthing man to be killed in the Great War.

He died on August 27, 1914, having been wounded at Le Cateau on August 24.

In the action at Le Cateau, Frank was one of 19 soldiers who, after running out of ammunition, charged the enemy with fixed bayonets.

It is said that after being mortally wounded, he uttered the words: “We have done our best. God bless us all and England.”.

George Wade, assuming his son was still alive, wrote to the army camp.

He later received a postcard from a sergeant, stating that he had been killed at Le Cateau.

When Mr Wade called at the office of the Worthing Gazette, staff extended their sympathy at his loss.

The patriotic father uttered the words: “If I had a dozen sons, the country should have them.”

Bugler Wade has no known grave but is remembered on his parents’ grave, in Broadwater Cemetery, and at the military memorial near the La Ferté-sous-Jouarre communal cemetery.